08/17/2025
Exploring Hericium đđ§ â Lionâs Mane, Bearâs Head, and Coral Tooth in the Wild
Keep an eye out in late summer into early fall for the unmistakable icicle-like forms of Hericium mushroomsâan extraordinary group of wild fungi prized for both their culinary and medicinal value.
While Hericium erinaceus (true Lionâs Mane) grows in dense, rounded clumps with long, flowing spines, itâs Hericium americanumâcommonly known as Bearâs Head Toothâthat youâre far more likely to encounter here in the Northeast. Unlike Lionâs Maneâs puffball shape, Bearâs Head grows in thick, branching clusters with soft, hanging spines that resemble frozen waterfalls. It typically appears on dead or dying hardwoods. Its cousin, Hericium coralloidesâor Coral Toothâforms even finer teeth in delicate, coral-like arrangements.
All Hericium species are easy to recognize: no caps, no gillsâjust pure cascading spines. Their unique structure makes them a fantastic mushroom for beginners, especially since the genus has no toxic look-alikes.
These fungi are more than just strikingâtheyâre choice edibles, with a flavor often compared to crab or lobster and a firm, slightly chewy texture. H. coralloides, in particular, has tender branches that crisp up beautifully when sautĂŠed. And while Lionâs Mane often gets the spotlight (especially for its medicinal uses), Bearâs Head and Coral Tooth offer equally delicious culinary experiences that are too often overlooked.
Medicinally, Hericiumâespecially Lionâs Maneâhas gained wide attention for its potential to support memory, focus, and nerve regeneration, making it one of the most researched mushrooms in the world of medicinal mycology.
If youâre lucky enough to spot one of these on a woodland walk, take a moment to admire itâyouâve found a true forest treasure.
